“The windows were slightly ajar – a woman was gesturing that she was about to throw her baby and if somebody could catch her baby.

“Somebody did, a gentleman ran forward and managed to grab the baby.”

She then added: “I could see people from all angles, banging and screaming for help.

“Us members of the public were reassuring them, telling them we’ve done what we can and that we’ve phoned 999, but obviously the look on their face was death.

Credit: PA

“My daughter’s friend said she observed an adult who made some sort of homemade parachute and tried to lower himself out of the window.

“The more I looked up, floor upon floor. Endless numbers of people. Mainly the kids, because obviously their voices, with their high pitched voices – that will remain with me for a long time.

“I could hear them screaming for their lives.”

Another woman, called Zara, spoke to LBC Radio, telling them she had seen a woman throw her son, who she believed to be about five, out of a window. She told the radio station: “One woman actually threw her son out of the window. I think he’s OK.

Credit: PA

“I think he might have just had some broken bones and bruises.

“I left my phone at home so I went back to grab it and, by the time I got back, the road was completely blocked off, the fire had dramatically spread.”

The horrific fire has resulted in a number of fatalities as well as dozens of injuries.

The Metropolitan Police have set up a casualty bureau for anyone concerned about their friends and family on 0800 0961 233.